2012 AICP Art & Technique of the American Commercial Awards Honor The Partnership at Drugfree.org

~"Family Stories" Video Selected as Only Award in Public Service Category~

NEW YORK, June 18, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Partnership at Drugfree.org, a national nonprofit helping parents solve the problem of teen drug and alcohol abuse, was honored at the Association of Independent Commercial Producers (AICP) Awards. The organization won in the Public Service category for its "Family Stories" short documentary. Awards were presented Tuesday, June 12, 2012 at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.

"Family Stories," a collaborative effort between The Partnership at Drugfree.org, Moo Studios, Consulate Film Editing and director Pamela Hanson, highlights true stories of people who have faced addiction. Mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, sons and daughters all speak candidly about their own, or a loved one's, struggle with this disease. Each story is unique, but all reflect the common need for better information, support and places to turn for help.

The documentary was the only video to receive an award from the AICP judges among 10 finalists on the short list in the Public Service Category.

"Every year, our industry utilizes its talent and skills to further so many worthy causes," said Matt Miller, President and CEO of AICP. "In putting together the AICP Show – truly the most representative compendium of the year's best marketing communications – it needs to honor this important aspect of the industry in the right way. The Curators of this year's Show voted unanimously to award 'Family Stories' because it stood head and shoulders above the rest in message and execution. It is the perfect example of the public service announcement for this year's archive."

The Art & Technique of the American Commercial Awards has a bifurcated judging system, which begins with a series of judging panels featuring over 300 experts from across the country, assessing work across 23 categories. The process culminates in the meeting of the Curatorial Committee, which is the final arbiter in the disposition of the Show, confirming eligibility and appropriateness to category. A separate panel of leading-edge creative practitioners selects the Next Awards winners.

"It is an honor that 'Family Stories' was selected for such a respected, carefully judged award," said Steve Pasierb, President and CEO of The Partnership at Drugfree.org. "The AICP recognition of our work in support of addiction intervention, treatment and recovery highlights The Partnership's longstanding dedication to creating compelling messaging aimed at changing the landscape and conversation around substance abuse."

"Unfortunately, the stigma and shame that so often surround drug and alcohol addiction prevents many from getting the help they need," said Caryn Pace, Deputy Director of Creative Development at The Partnership at Drugfree.org. "'Family Stories' encourages individuals to tell their stories and help shed light on a problem that is so often kept in the dark. We are humbled to receive such prestigious recognition for a video that is changing the way we think about this disease."

About The Partnership at Drugfree.org

Ninety percent of addictions start in the teenage years. The Partnership at Drugfree.org is dedicated to solving the problem of teen substance abuse. Together with experts in science, parenting and communications, the nonprofit translates research on teen behavior, addiction and treatment into useful and effective resources for both individuals and communities. Working toward a vision where all young people will be able to live their lives free of drug and alcohol abuse, The Partnership at Drugfree.org works with parents and other influencers to help them prevent and get help for drug and alcohol abuse by teens and young adults. The organization depends on donations from individuals, corporations, foundations and the public sector and is thankful to SAG/AFTRA and the advertising and media industries for their ongoing generosity.